Hatchlings

As mentioned before, the incubation time differs greatly
from species to species. Our care
sheet section has specific information on the breeding
of the lizards (the breeding information
will be added over time, as we research this for each
species). The time from egg laying to the eggs
hatching can vary anywhere from about 50 days,
to about 120 days. Hatchlings have an 'egg-tooth' on their
premaxillary bone, used to rip the shell of the egg open.
This tooth will usually fall off in a couple of days.
After hatching, the baby lizards need to be placed in
a separate enclosure, away from their parent(s). Many
lizard species will eat or bite their own young. It is
important to slowly accustom the young animals to the
temperature that is normal for adults of their species.
Quickly raising the temperature in their habitat can lead
to diseases as the vitamins, especially calcium, is not
processed properly. Right from birth, make sure to provide
full-spectrum lighting, with as much UV light as possible
reaching the lizards.

Feeding for the
First Time

Many lizards may go a week or so without eating, as the
nutrition they stored up from the egg is still being used
up. Some lizard babies may eat right away. Never force
feed a baby right off the bat. Sit back, be patient, and
your hatchlings will eat on their own. Force feeding
a baby lizard places a great deal of stress on them, and
will worsen the health of the lizard now, and for the
future. Make sure all feeder insects are gut-loaded with
vitamin rich foods, and dusted with a multi-vitamin supplement.
Calcium is extremely important for the bone development
of young lizards.